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Abstract:

The invention comprises two or more nozzle outlets, oriented so as to
dispense liquid streams on convergent paths. The convergent steams, upon
impingement one with the other, mix external to the nozzle, the mixed
liquids thereafter proceeding to the target surface. Feeding the
convergent nozzle outlets are independent fluid pathways, consisting
either of a pump and reservoir for each fluid, or of a valve and
pressurized reservoir for each fluid for self-dispensing embodiments. The
fluid pathways are particularly designed so as to maintain the liquids in
fluid isolation, one from the other, until the impingement mixing
external to the nozzle. Also included within the invention are methods of
dispensing immiscible and reactive liquids, in particular an embodiment
for dispensing an edible oil and vinegar mixture and an embodiment for
dispensing and forming a tissue sealant.

Claims:

1. A self-contained liquid dispensing apparatus for discharging and
mixing a first liquid and a second liquid, comprising: a. a first
reservoir configured to store the first liquid and a propellant gas; b. a
second reservoir configured to store the second liquid and a propellant
gas; c. a nozzle having a first nozzle inlet in fluid communication with
the first reservoir and a first nozzle outlet, and a second nozzle inlet
in fluid communication with the second reservoir and at least two second
nozzle outlets; d. a first valve, disposed between the first reservoir
and the first nozzle inlet, the first valve having a closed position
wherein the first reservoir is not in fluid communication with the first
nozzle inlet, and an open position wherein the first reservoir is in
fluid communication with the first nozzle inlet; and e. a second valve,
disposed between the second reservoir and the second nozzle inlet, the
second valve having a closed position wherein the second reservoir is not
in fluid communication with the second nozzle inlet, and an open position
wherein the second reservoir is in fluid communication with the second
nozzle inlet, wherein the second nozzle outlets are radially configured
about the first nozzle outlet and oriented such that second discharge
streams from the second nozzle outlets impinge upon a first discharge
stream from the first nozzle outlet after being discharged from the
nozzle.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the second discharge streams from
the second nozzle outlets impinge upon the first discharge stream from
the first nozzle outlet at an acute angle.

3. A self-contained liquid dispensing apparatus for discharging and
mixing a first liquid and a second liquid, comprising: a. a first
reservoir configured to store the first liquid; b. a second reservoir
configured to store the second liquid; c. a nozzle having a first nozzle
inlet in fluid communication with the first reservoir and a first nozzle
outlet, and a second nozzle inlet in fluid communication with the second
reservoir and at least two second nozzle outlets; d. a first
pressurization mechanism in fluid communication with the first reservoir,
wherein the pressurization mechanism provides pressure to cause the first
liquid from the first reservoir to be discharged from the first nozzle
outlet in a first discharge stream; and e. a second pressurization
mechanism in fluid communication with the second reservoir, wherein the
pressurization mechanism provides pressure to cause the second liquid
from the second reservoir to be discharged from the second nozzle outlets
in at least two second discharge streams, wherein the second nozzle
outlets are radially configured about the first nozzle outlet and
oriented such that the second discharge streams impinge upon the first
discharge stream after being discharged from the nozzle.

4. An apparatus as in claim 3, wherein the second discharge streams from
the second nozzle outlets impinge upon the first discharge stream from
the first nozzle outlet at an acute angle.

5. A method for discharging and mixing a first liquid and a second liquid
from an apparatus, comprising: a. providing a nozzle with a first nozzle
outlet for discharging the first liquid from the apparatus and second
nozzle outlets for discharging the second liquid from the apparatus; b.
aligning the first nozzle outlet and the second nozzle outlets such that
discharged streams of the second liquid from the second nozzle outlets
impinge upon the discharged stream of the first liquid from the first
nozzle outlet; c. storing a quantity of the first liquid in the first
reservoir and a quantity of the second liquid in the second reservoir;
and d. simultaneously supplying the stored first liquid to the first
nozzle inlet and the stored second liquid to the second nozzle inlet
under pressure for discharge from the first nozzle outlet and the second
nozzle outlets, respectively.

6. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein one of the liquids is
edible oil and one of the liquids is an aqueous solution.

7. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein one of the liquids
comprises olive oil and one of the liquids comprises vinegar.

8. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein one of the liquids
comprises a polysaccharide and one of the liquids comprises a
polysaccharide cross-linking agent.

9. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein one of the liquids
comprises alginate and one of the liquids comprises calcium.

10. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein one of the liquids
comprises chitosan and one of the liquids comprises sodium
tripolyphosphate.

11. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein one of the liquids
comprises an aqueous protein solution and one of the liquids comprises a
protein cross-linking agent.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11, wherein one of the liquids
comprises an aqueous albumin solution and one of the liquids comprises an
aldehyde.

13. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein one of the liquids
comprises a blowing agent and one of the liquids comprises an acid
reactable on contact with the blowing agent sufficient to evolve a gas.

14. (canceled)

15. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein the dispensed liquids
are normally immiscible.

16. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein the dispensed liquids
are chemically reactive.

17. A method in accordance with claim 5, wherein one of the liquids
comprises fibrinogen and one of the liquids comprises thrombin.

18. An apparatus as in claim 1, comprising an activation mechanism
operatively coupled to the first valve and the second valve, wherein the
first valve and the second valve are simultaneously moved to the open
position when the activation mechanism moves from a normal position to a
discharge position.

19. An apparatus as in claim 3, comprising an activation mechanism
operatively coupled to the first pressurization mechanism and the second
pressurization mechanism, wherein the first pressurization mechanism
provides pressure to the first liquid and the second pressurization
mechanism provides pressure to the second liquid simultaneously when the
activation mechanism moves from a normal position to a discharge
position.

20. An apparatus as in claim 1, comprising a non-slip coating upon the
outer surface of the first and second reservoirs.

21. An apparatus as in claim 1, comprising a pump to introduce
atmospheric air as a propellant gas into the first and second reservoirs.

[0002] No support or compensation has been received for work in support of
this invention. The Federally Sponsored Research provision is not
applicable.

THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of the Invention

[0005] The field of the invention is the simultaneous dispensing and
mixing of plural liquids.

[0006] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0007] An aerosol dispensing container for simultaneously dispensing two
liquids is described in Homm (U.S. Pat. No. 2,941,696). The liquids are
held in separate reservoirs prior to being dispensed into a common exit,
then laterally from the spray head. In an unclaimed embodiment, separate
nozzles are described dispensing the two liquids as parallel aerosol
sprays, again laterally from the spray head.

[0008] An industrial spray gun for simultaneously dispensing two liquids
is described in Barrett (U.S. Pat. No. 2,813,751). The spray gun provides
for separate liquid pathways from external reservoirs with dispensing and
aerosolization by means of an external compressed air supply. The
aerosolized sprays are projected on a laterally convergent path, with a
degree of mixing external to the device.

[0009] A toy water gun is disclosed in Eddins, et. al (U.S. Pat. No.
7,798,364). The gun maintains two liquids in separate reservoirs with
separate liquid pathways and separate nozzle orifices that may be
oriented to dispense liquid streams on a convergent path. Also described
is a method of dispensing reactive liquids, the reaction of which occurs
external to the nozzle orifices.

[0010] A low volume mixing spray head is disclosed in Duronio, et. al
(U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,229). The described devices discharges two liquid
streams within a common mixing chamber prior to the mixed liquids
projecting towards the target surface.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention is, in a first aspect, a self-contained
liquid dispensing apparatus for discharging and mixing a first liquid and
a second liquid by means of pressure derived from a propellant gas. The
apparatus may include a first reservoir configured to store the first
liquid and a propellant gas, a second reservoir configured to store the
second liquid and a propellant gas, a nozzle having a first nozzle inlet
in fluid communication with the first reservoir and a first nozzle
outlet, and a second nozzle inlet in fluid communication with the second
reservoir and at least two second nozzle outlets. The apparatus may
further include a first valve disposed between the first reservoir and
the first nozzle inlet, the first valve having a closed position wherein
the first reservoir is not in fluid communication with the first nozzle
inlet, and an open position wherein the first reservoir is in fluid
communication with the first nozzle inlet. The apparatus may still
further include a second valve disposed between the second reservoir and
the second nozzle inlet, the second valve having a closed position
wherein the second reservoir is not in fluid communication with the
second nozzle inlet, and an open position wherein the second reservoir is
in fluid communication with the second nozzle inlet.

[0012] The second nozzle outlets may be radially configured about the
first nozzle outlet and oriented such that the second discharge streams
impinge upon the first discharge stream after being discharged from the
nozzle.

[0013] The nozzle may be further configured such that the second discharge
streams from the second nozzle outlets impinge upon the first discharge
stream at an acute angle.

[0014] The first and second reservoirs of the embodiment may further
comprise a non-slip coating upon the outer surface. This will prove
useful in situations in which the apparatus may become wet or be held
with wet hands, such as would occur during surgery.

[0015] The apparatus may also comprise a mechanism to introduce
atmospheric air as a propellant gas into the first and second reservoirs.
This will be useful in the dispensing and mixing of edible liquids, where
the user may fill the reservoirs with liquid and subsequently pressurize
them for dispensing.

[0016] The apparatus may also comprise an activation mechanism operatively
coupled to the first valve and the second valve, moving the first valve
and second valves simultaneously from the closed to the open position
when moved from a normal position to a discharge position.

[0017] In another aspect, the invention is also a self-contained liquid
dispensing apparatus for discharging and mixing a first liquid and a
second liquid by means of pressure derived from a pressurization
mechanism. The apparatus may include a first reservoir configured to
store the first liquid, a second reservoir configured to store the second
liquid, a nozzle having a first nozzle inlet in fluid communication with
the first reservoir and a first nozzle outlet, and a second nozzle inlet
in fluid communication with the second reservoir and at least two second
nozzle outlets. The apparatus may further include a first pressurization
mechanism in fluid communication with the first reservoir, wherein the
pressurization mechanism provides pressure to cause the first liquid from
the first reservoir to be discharged from the first nozzle outlet in a
first discharge stream. The apparatus may still further include a second
pressurization mechanism in fluid communication with the second
reservoir, wherein the pressurization mechanism provides pressure to
cause the second liquid from the second reservoir to be discharged from
the second nozzle outlets in at least two second discharge streams.

[0018] The second nozzle outlets may be radially configured about the
first nozzle outlet and oriented such that the second discharge streams
impinge upon the first discharge stream after being discharged from the
nozzle.

[0019] The nozzle may be further configured such that the second discharge
streams from the second nozzle outlets impinge upon the first discharge
stream at an acute angle.

[0020] The apparatus may also comprise an activation mechanism operatively
coupled to the first pressurization mechanism and the second
pressurization mechanism, providing pressure to the first liquid and the
second liquid simultaneously when moved from a normal position to a
discharge position.

[0021] In a further aspect, the invention is directed to a method for
discharging and mixing a first liquid and a second liquid from a
self-contained apparatus. The method may include providing a nozzle with
a first nozzle outlet for discharging the first liquid and a second
nozzle outlets for discharging the second liquid from the apparatus,
aligning the first nozzle outlet and the second nozzle outlets such that
discharged streams of the second liquid impinge upon the discharged
stream of the first liquid. The method may further include storing a
quantity of the first liquid and a quantity of the second liquid in the
apparatus and simultaneously supplying the stored first liquid to the
first nozzle inlet and the stored second liquid to the second nozzle
inlet under pressure for discharge from the first nozzle outlet and the
second nozzle outlets, respectively.

[0022] The method may include the dispensing and mixing of a liquid
comprising an edible oil and a liquid comprising an aqueous solution.

[0023] The method may include the dispensing and mixing of a liquid
comprising olive oil and a liquid comprising vinegar.

[0024] The method may include the dispensing and mixing of a liquid
comprising a polysaccharide and a liquid comprising a polysaccharide
cross-linking agent.

[0025] The method may include the dispensing and mixing of a liquid
comprising alginate and a liquid comprising calcium chloride.

[0026] The method may include the dispensing and mixing of a liquid
comprising chitosan and a liquid comprising tripolyphosphate.

[0027] The method may include the dispensing and mixing of a liquid
comprising an aqueous protein solution and a liquid comprising a protein
cross-linking agent.

[0028] The method may include the dispensing and mixing of a liquid
comprising an aqueous albumin solution and a liquid comprising aldehyde.

[0029] The method may include the dispensing and mixing of a liquid
comprising a blowing agent and a liquid comprising an acid reactable on
contact with the blowing agent sufficient to evolve a gas. The blowing
agent may comprise a carbonate.

[0030] The method may include the dispensing and mixing of a liquid
comprising fibrinogen and a liquid comprising thrombin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0031] Features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will
be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed
description of various embodiments, in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 is a front view of a dispensing apparatus in accordance with
the invention;

[0033] FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail view of area 2 of the nozzle and the
first and second nozzle outlets of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0048] FIG. 17 is a cross-section view through line 14-14 of FIG. 16
showing the interior of the reservoirs, inlets, nozzle, and outlets of
the apparatus of FIG. 14;

[0049]FIG. 18 is an enlarged detail view of area 16 of the nozzle, first
and second nozzle inlets, and the first and second nozzle outlets of the
apparatus of FIG. 14;

[0050] FIG. 19 is a perspective of an alternate embodiment of the
apparatus;

[0051]FIG. 20 is an enlarged detail view of area 18 of the nozzle and the
first and second nozzle outlets of the apparatus of FIG. 19;

[0052] FIG. 21 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 19;

[0053] FIG. 22 is a cross-section view through line 20-20 of FIG. 21
showing the interior of the discharge head, nozzle, inlets, and outlets;

[0054] FIG. 23 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 19;

[0055]FIG. 24 is a cross-section view through line 22-22 of FIG. 23
showing the interior of the reservoirs, pressurization mechanisms, and
discharge head;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0056] The field of the invention is the simultaneous dispensing and
mixing of plural liquids.

Description of the Invention

[0057] Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of
numerous embodiments of the invention, it shall be understood that the
scope of the invention is defined by the claims set forth at the end of
the patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only
and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention.
Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using current
technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent,
which would still fall within the scope the present invention.

[0058] As used herein, a nozzle is a device designed to control the
direction and characteristics of a fluid flow as it exits an enclosed
chamber or tube.

[0059] The present inventive apparatus and methods utilize impingement of
plural discharged streams to affect mixing of liquids. Impingement is a
simple and robust means of liquid mixing, yet the method has certain
limitations wherein the current inventive description improves upon.

[0060] Where discharged streams converge and impinge, mixing occurs. The
degree of mixing, the degree of atomization, and the resulting pattern of
mixed liquid spray is determined by factors such as: [0061] a. the
relative amounts of each liquid discharged; [0062] b. the density,
viscosity, and cohesive properties of each liquid; [0063] c. the velocity
of the impinging streams; [0064] d. the impingement angle; and [0065] e.
the number and orientation of the impinging streams.

[0066] The present invention is suited to the simultaneous dispensing and
mixing of liquids with differing amounts, viscosities, densities, and
other qualities while also providing a selection of mixing and
aerosolization intensities and spray patterns. By projecting a first
discharged stream from a centrally located nozzle outlet, and second
discharge streams from nozzle outlets radially configured about the first
nozzle outlet, differing amounts, viscosities, densities, and cohesions
may be more easily accommodated. By varying the impingement angle, the
numbers of nozzle outlets, and the sizes of said outlet, the apparatus
may be easily configured. The present invention is particularly suited to
the dispensing and mixing of immiscible liquids and chemically reactive
liquids.

[0067] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate front, detailed, and perspective views,
respectively, of a first embodiment of a liquid discharge and mixing
apparatus intended for dispensing liquids by the means of stored
propellant gas within the reservoirs and comprising a first reservoir 1
and a second reservoir 3, a discharge head 5 located adjacent to the
first and second reservoirs, and a nozzle 7 coupled to the discharge
head. The nozzle 7 comprises at least one first outlet 9 and at least two
second outlets 11 configured radially about around the first outlet 9 and
oriented such that liquid streams discharged from the second outlets (not
shown) impinge upon the liquid stream from the first outlet (not shown).

[0068] It is envisioned that the nozzle may be fixed or subject to
rotation by the user, that the nozzle may be integral to the discharge
head or a separate entity coupled to the discharge head, and that the
nozzle may comprise varying numbers and arrangements of first nozzle
outlets and second nozzle outlets and still be considered to lay within
the scope of the present invention so long as there is at least one first
nozzle outlet and at least two second nozzle outlets arrayed radially
about the first nozzle outlet. Incorporation of elements within the
nozzle, nozzle inlets, and nozzle outlets to induce swirl in the
discharged liquids is also envisioned.

[0069] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a side and section view, respectively, of
the first embodiment comprising a first tube 21 within the first
reservoir 1 in fluid communication with a first valve 17 and a first
liquid passage 13 within the discharge head 5 and a second tube 23 within
the second reservoir 3 in fluid communication with a first valve 19 and a
first liquid passage 15 within the discharge head 5.

[0070] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an exploded perspective, front, and side
section view, respectively, of the discharge head for the first
embodiment comprising a discharge head 5 and nozzle 7 wherein the nozzle
7 comprises a first inlet 29 in fluid communication with a first outlet
33 and a second inlet 31 in fluid communication with a second outlet 35.

[0071] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the discharge head 5 of
the first embodiment with the sockets of the first liquid pathway 13 and
second liquid pathway 15 visible.

[0072] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a top and section views, respectively,
of the discharge head 5 with the first liquid pathway 13 and second
liquid pathway 15 visible.

[0073] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate front and sections views, respectively,
of the discharge head 5 revealing the first liquid pathway 13 in fluid
communication with the first nozzle inlet 29 and the second liquid
pathway 15 in fluid communication with the second nozzle inlet 31.

[0074] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a perspective and enlarged detail view,
respectively, of a second embodiment of the apparatus configured so as to
be suitable for endoscopic use.

[0075] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a side and section view of the second
embodiment comprising a first tube 21 within the first reservoir 1 in
fluid communication with a first valve 17 and a first liquid passage 13
and a second tube 23 within the second reservoir 3 in fluid communication
with a second valve 19 and a second liquid passage 15, wherein the liquid
pathways comprise an elongate member between the discharge head 5 and the
nozzle 7.

[0076]FIG. 18 illustrates an enlarged detail section view of the second
embodiment comprising a first liquid pathway 13 in fluid communication
with a first nozzle inlet 29 and a first nozzle outlet 33 and a second
liquid pathway 15 in fluid communication with a second nozzle inlet 31
and a second nozzle outlet 35.

[0077] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate a perspective and enlarged detail view,
respectively, of a third embodiment of the apparatus designed to utilize
pressure generating mechanisms to dispense and mix the liquids. The
embodiment comprises a discharge head 41 and a nozzle 43. The nozzle 43
comprises at least one first nozzle outlet 45 and at least two second
nozzle outlets 47 arrayed around the first outlet 45 and oriented such
that liquid streams discharged from the second outlets (not shown)
impinge upon the liquid stream from the first outlet (not shown).

[0078] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a front and section view, respectively,
of the third embodiment comprising a discharge head 41, a nozzle 43, a
first nozzle inlet 49 in fluid communication with a first nozzle outlet
45, and a second nozzle inlet 51 in fluid communication with a second
nozzle outlet 47.

[0079] FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a top and section views, respectively,
of the third embodiment comprising a first tube 53 within the first
reservoir 57 in fluid communication with a first pressurization mechanism
61 and a first liquid passage 65 and a second tube 55 within the second
reservoir 59 in fluid communication with a second pressurization
mechanism 63 and a second liquid passage 67.

[0080] The dispensing methods are envisioned to operate from either the
apparatus using integral pressurization mechanisms or the apparatus using
stored propellant gas.

[0081] It is envisioned that the apparatus may be readily filled with
liquids and/or propellant gas, depending upon the embodiment, by the
manufacturer and delivered to the user. It is equally within the scope of
the invention for the apparatus to be configured so as to readily permit
the filling of liquids into the reservoirs by the user.

[0082] The embodiments illustrated herein are exemplary, and other
configurations of dispensing apparatus wherein two or more liquids are
stored in reservoirs, travel through separate fluid pathways, are
discharged as impinging streams, and are mixed external to the apparatus
are contemplated by the inventors and will be apparent to those skilled
in the art. Specifically, differing numbers and configurations of first
nozzle outlets and second nozzle outlets, differing configurations of
activation mechanisms, and differing formulations of the liquids to be
discharged are within the scope of the present invention.